Controlled release pharmaceutical composition

ABSTRACT

A solid, controlled release, pharmaceutical composition comprising an active ingredient incorporated in a controlled release matrix comprising a water soluble polydextrose. 
     The controlled release matrix may also contain at least one of a digestibele C 8  --C 50  substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon, especially a C 12  --C 36  fatty alcohol, and a polyalkylene glycol, especially polyethylene glycol. Optionally, the matrix may contain a cellulose ether, especially a hydroxyalkylcellulose or a carboxyalkylcellulose.

The present invention relates to a solid controlled release pharmaceutical composition.

A "controlled release pharmaceutical composition" is one that achieves slow release of a drug over an extended period of time and extends the duration of drug action over that achieved by conventional delivery. Preferably, such a composition maintains drug level in the blood or target tissue within the therapeutic range for 8 hours or more.

A controlled (sustained) release pharmaceutical composition containing an active ingredient has many advantages over a normal release form of the same ingredient. These include a reduction of the frequency of administration, a decrease in side effects and the maintenance of effective concentrations of the active material in the blood.

Accordingly, a large number of controlled release forms have been prepared in the past few years. For example, the composition may contain a large amount of an excipient that disintegrates slowly in the stomach or intestines. Alternatively, granules or tablets containing the active ingredient may be covered with a gastro-resistant coating or with a semipermeable membrane. A further device is to mix the active ingredient with a hydrophilic polymer.

Of these controlled release forms, the use of hydrophilic polymers (in matrices for active ingredients) has been particularly successful. Amongst the most widely used of these hydrophilic polymers are hydroxyalkylcelluloses such as hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a controlled release pharmaceutical composition containing a hydrophilic polymer that, in controlled release formulations, exercises better control over the release of the active ingredient than a hydroxyalkylcellulose.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof.

According to the present invention, therefore, there is provided a solid, controlled release, pharmaceutical composition comprising an active ingredient incorporated in a controlled release matrix comprising a water-soluble polydextrose.

In the present specification, a "water soluble polydextrose" is a polydextrose that dissolves to a level of at least 1% (w/w) in water at 25° C.

Although the polydextrose employed in the present composition may have an average molecular weight of between about 360 and 10⁶, preferably the polydextrose has a number average molecular weight between 1000 and 12000. Polydextrose is a non-nutritive polysaccharide, prepared by the condensation polymerisation of saccharides in the presence of polycarboxylic acid catalysts, under reduced pressure. Polydextrose is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,766,105 and 3,786,794 (the contents of which documents are incorporated herein by reference) and is available from Pfizer Inc., N.Y. Commercially available polydextrose polymer is generally a low molecular weight, water-soluble, randomly bonded polymer of glucose containing minor amounts of sorbitol end groups and citric acid residues attached to the polymer by mono- and di-ester bonds. The number average molecular weight of this commercially available material is 1500, ranging from about 360 to about 20,000.

The amount of polydextrose present in the composition of this invention will be determined by a number of factors, including the active ingredient to be administered and the rate of drug release required. Preferably, however, the composition will contain between 1% and 80% (w/w), especially between 1% and 50% (w/w) of polydextrose, most especially between 2% and 40% (w/w) of polydextrose.

In addition to the polydextrose, the present composition may also include further ingredients which can contribute to the control of the active ingredient's release and are compatible with polydextrose.

Suitable materials are,

(a) Hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymers, such as gums, cellulose ethers and protein derived materials. Of these polymers, the cellulose ethers, especially hydroxyalkyl celluloses and carboxyalkylcelluloses, most especially hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, are preferred.

(b) Digestible, long chain (C₈ --C₅₀, especially C₈ --C₄₀), substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbons, such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, glyceryl esters of fatty acids, mineral oils and waxes. Preferably the hydrocarbons have a melting point between 25° and 90° C. Of these long chain hydrocarbon materials, fatty alcohols, most especially C₁₄ --C₂₂ fatty alcohols, such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol or myristyl alcohol are preferred.

(c) Polyalkylene glycols, especially polyethylene glycol.

At least one of the materials within categories (b) and (c) is particularly preferred.

When the polydextrose is combined with at least one of a digestible, C₈ --C₅₀ substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon and a polyalkylene glycol, the matrix itself is novel. Thus, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a preparation for use in the production of a solid, controlled release pharmaceutical composition comprising a matrix of polydextrose and at least one of a digestible C₈ --C₅₀ substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon and a polyalkylene glycol. Optionally, the matrix may also contain at least one of a hydroxyalkylcellulose and a carboxyalkylcellulose.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present composition, the matrix comprises polydextrose, at least one of a C₁₂ --C₃₆ fatty alcohol and a polyalkylene glycol and, optionally, at least one of a hydroxyalkylcellulose and a carboxyalkylcellulose. In such an embodiment the ratio of polydextrose/cellulose to fatty alcohol/glycol is preferably between 6 to 1 and 1 to 6, especially between 4 to 1 and 1 to 4. Preferably a C₁₄ --C₂₂ fatty alcohol is employed.

This matrix is also a novel composition and, therefore, according to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a preparation for use in the production of a solid, controlled release, pharmaceutical composition comprising a matrix of polydextrose, at least one of a C₁₂ --C₃₆ fatty alcohol and a polyalkylene glycol and, optionally, at least one of a hydroxyalkylcellulose and a carboxyalkylcellulose. Preferably the matrix comprises a C₁₄ --C₂₂ fatty alcohol.

In addition to the above materials, the present controlled release composition may also contain excipients such as binders, disintegrating agents, colours, flavours, preservatives, stabilisers, glidants and lubricants, the use of which will be known to those skilled in the pharmaceutical art.

Although the present controlled release composition may be in any solid dosage form, for example, a suppository or a pessary, it is preferably adapted for oral administration. In the present specification "oral administration" incorporates buccal and sublingual administration. Thus, the preferred oral dosage forms include tablets, buccal tablets, sublingual tablets, pills, lozenges, capsules containing, for example, granules or pellets, and dragees.

Any active ingredient that may be administered by the oral, buccal, sublingual, rectal or vaginal routes may be employed in the controlled release composition of this invention. Those medicaments having a biological half-life below about 8 hours, however, are particularly suitable for incorporation in the present composition.

Examples of active ingredients that may advantageously be incorporated in the present composition are,

(1) Anti-allergic drugs, such as cyclizine, dimethindene maleate and triprolidine hydrochloride,

(2) Anti-diabetic drugs, such as chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, metformin and tolbutamide,

(3) Hormones,

(4) Antiarrhythmic agents, such as disopyramide, procainamide, propranolol and quinidine,

(5) Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, diclofenac sodium, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen and phenylbutazone,

(6) Antiemetic drugs, such as metoclopramide,

(7) Diuretics, such as amiloride, bendrofluazide, bumetanide, cyclopenthiazide, ethacrynic acid, frusemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triampterene, chlorthalidone and spironolactone,

(8) Anti-anginal agents, such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, verapamil and diltiazem,

(9) Vasodilators, such as nifedipine, naftidrofuryl oxalate, and nicardipine,

(10) Antihypertensive agents, such as clonidine, indoramin, guanethidine, methyldopa, oxprenolol, captopril, hydralazine and propranolol,

(11) Bronchodilators, such as salbutamol, isoprenaline and terbutaline,

(12) CNS stimulants, such as caffeine and amphetamine,

(13) Anti-histamines, such as clemastine fumarate, mepyramine, chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine, diphenhydramine.

(14) Analgesic agents, such as morphine, codeine, phenazocine, dihydrocodeine, hydromorphone, meptazinol, phenacetin, pethidine, paracetamol, oxycodone, diamorphine, nalbuphine, buprenorphine, and mefenamic acid,

(15) Vitamins, such as Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin E,

(16) Antidepressants, such as lofepramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, maprotiline, imipramine, desipramine and mianserin,

(17) Tranquilisers, such as chlordiazepoxide and diazepam,

(18) Hematinic agents, such as ferrous fumarate,

(19) Respiratory stimulants, such as nikethamide,

(20) Antibacterial agents, such as polymyxin, streptomycin, sulphonamides, penicillins, erythromycin, cephalosporins, nalidixic acid, tetracyclines, hexamine salts, gentamicin and nitrofurantoin,

(21) Hypnotic agents such as barbiturates, dichloral phenazone, nitrazepam and temazepam,

(22) Antiviral agents, such as idoxuridine,

(23) Vasoconstrictors, such as angiotensin amide, dihydroergotamine, and ergotamine,

(24) Topical anaesthetics, such as benzocaine,

(25) Anticholinergic agents, such as scopolamine, atropine and propantheline,

(26) Adrenergic drugs, such as phenylephrine hydrochloride, phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride and pseudoephedrine,

(27) Anthelmintic agents, such as diethylcarbamazine,

(28) Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone and triamcinolone acetonide,

(29) Inorganic drugs, such as lithium carbonate, potassium chloride and lithium sulphate,

(30) Antacids, such as aluminium trisilicate and aluminium hydroxide,

(31) Antiulcer agents, such as cimetidine and ranitidine,

(32) Cofactors, such as nicotinic acid,

(33) Antipsychotic agents, such as thioridazine, trifluoperazine, fluphenazine and haloperidol,

(34) Laxatives, such as bisacodyl and magnesium hydroxide,

(35) Antiperistaltic agents, such as diphenoxylate,

(36) Anticoagulant agents, such as warfarin,

(37) Haemostatic agents, such as epsilon-aminocaproic acid,

(38) Antinauseant agents, such as metoclopramide, pyridoxine and prochlorperazine,

(39) Anticonvulsant agents, such as sodium valproate and phenytoin sodium,

(40) Neuromuscular drugs, such as dantrolene sodium,

(41) Hypoglycaemic agents, such as chlorpropramide, glucagon and tolbutamide,

(42) Thyroid drugs, such as thyroxine, triiodothyronine and propylthiouracil,

(43) Uterine relaxant, such as ritodrine,

(44) Appetite suppressants, such as phentermine, diethylpropion HCl and fenfluramine HCl,

(45) Erythropoietic substances, such as folic acid, calcium gluconate, and ferrous sulphate,

(46) Expectorants, such as carbocisteine and, guiaphenesin,

(47) Cough suppressants, such as noscapine, dextromethorphan and oxycodone,

(48) Antiuricaemic drugs, such as allopurinol, probenecid and sulphinpyrazone,

When the present controlled release matrix contains polydextrose, but no digestible, long chain substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon or polyalkylene glycol, the active ingredient is preferably a water-insoluble drug. In the present specification, a water insoluble drug is a drug that dissolves in water (pH 5) at 20° C. to a concentration of less than 1.0 mgml⁻¹, preferably less than 0.5 mgml⁻¹.

According to another feature of the present invention, the solid, controlled release, pharmaceutical composition is prepared by mixing an active ingredient with a water soluble polydextrose, optionally in the presence of one or more of the following excipients, a hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer (other than polydextrose), a digestible long chain, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon, a polyalkylene glycol, a binder, a disintegrating agent, a granulating aid, a colour, a flavour, a preservative, a stabiliser, a lubricant and a glidant.

Preferably, the active ingredient is mixed with polydextrose and, at least, a C₁₂ --C₃₆ fatty alcohol, especially a C₁₄ --C₂₂ fatty alcohol such as cetyl alcohol, stearly alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol or myristyl alcohol, and/or a polyalkylene glycol, especially polyethylene glycol.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of this feature of the invention a solid, controlled release, pharmaceutical composition, in unit dosage form and for oral administration (as hereinbefore defined), is prepared by granulating an active ingredient with a water soluble polydextrose and, optionally, mixing with one or more of the following excipients, a hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer (other than polydextrose), a digestible, long chain, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon, a polyalkylene glycol, a binder, a disintegrating agent, a colour, a flavour, a preservative, a stabiliser, a lubricant, a glidant, to form granules and compressing the granules to give an oral, solid, unit dosage form containing a predetermined, therapeutically active, quantity of the active ingredient.

Depending on the particular case, the method of preparation of the granules may involve for example wet granulation or direct compression.

Preferably, the active ingredient is granulated with polydextrose and the granules formed are mixed with a C₁₂ --C₃₆ fatty alcohol, especially a C₁₄ --C₂₂ fatty alcohol such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol or myristyl alcohol, and/or a polyalkylene glycol, especially polyethylene glycol.

Once the oral, solid unit dosage form has been prepared it may, if desired, be coated for example, with a gastro-resistant coating.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of this feature of the invention a solid, controlled release, pharmaceutical composition in the form of a capsule is prepared by pelletising, spheronising or granulating an active ingredient with a water-soluble polydextrose and, optionally, one or more of the optional ingredients employed in the preparation of the oral, unit dosage form above, to form pellets, spheroids or granules and encapsulating the pellets, spheroids or granules to give a capsule containing a predetermined, therapeutically active, quantity of the active ingredient.

Prior to filling the capsule with the pellets, the spheroids or the granules, the pellets/spheroids/granules may be coated, for example with a gastro-resistant coating.

According to another feature of the present invention, there is provided a process for the preparation of a matrix for admixture with an active ingredient to form a controlled release pharmaceutical composition comprising mixing a water soluble polydextrose with at least one of a digestible, C₈ --C₅₀ substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon and a polyalkylene glycol. Preferably the polydextrose is mixed with at least one of a C₁₂ --C₃₆ fatty alcohol (especially C₁₄ --C₂₂) and a polyalkylene glycol, especially polyethylene glycol. The mixing stage is preferably a granulation step.

Once the matrix has been granulated it can then be mixed with a predetermined amount of the active ingredient and, optionally compressed, to give a controlled release pharmaceutical composition according to this invention.

Predetermined release patterns of unusually reliable and constant characteristics can be secured using the present composition. This is often very important medically, especially when treating patients having coronary diseases, such as angina pectoris, or related problems, such as circulatory disorders or abnormal blood pressure, or when treating psychotropic disorders, such as manic depression or schizophrenia or when treating bronchial disorders or moderate to severe pain. The present composition may also be extremely useful in the treatment of ulcerated tissues or mucous lesions and other conditions which arise from local hyperacidity or metabolic dysfunction in the physiological system. The present composition is therefore extremely versatile and adaptable giving a wide range of application and end use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present solid, controlled release, pharmaceutical composition, together with methods for its preparation will now be described by way of example only, with particular reference to the Figures in which,

FIG. 1 illustrates the control exercised over theophylline release by polydextrose, as measured by in vitro dissolution,

FIG. 2 compares the release rates of two theophylline controlled release formulations, one containing hydroxyethylcellulose, the other polydextrose,

FIG. 3 compares the release rates of two pyridoxine hydrochloride controlled release formulations, one containing hydroxyethylcellulose, the other polydextrose, and

FIG. 4 compares the release rates of two metoclopramide hydrochloride controlled release formulations, one containing hydroxyethylcellulose, the other polydextrose.

Example 1 (Comparative)

Anhydrous theophylline (40 gm) was dry mixed with anhydrous lactose (15 gm), microcrystalline cellulose (5 gm) and crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose (2 gm; Croscarmellose). The mixture was granulated with water until a wet granular mass was obtained. The wet material was then sieved through a 16 mesh screen. The granules were then dried in a Fluid Bed Dryer (FBD) at 60° C. Finally, magnesium stearate (0.5 gm) was added to and mixed with the granules, which were then compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                             mg/tablet                                                  ______________________________________                                         Theophylline anhydrous                                                                               400                                                      Lactose anhydrous     150                                                      Microcrystalline cellulose                                                                           50                                                       Crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose                                                                   20                                                       Magnesium stearate     5                                                       ______________________________________                                    

Example 2

Anhydrous theophylline (40 gm) was wet granulated with polydextrose (2.5 gm) and the granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen. The granules were then dried in an FBD at 60° C. Talc (1.0 gm) and magnesium stearate (1.0 gm) were then added and mixed with the granules. The granules were then compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Theophylline anhydrous                                                                           400                                                          Polydextrose      25                                                           Talc              10                                                           Magnesium stearate                                                                               10                                                           ______________________________________                                    

A comparison of the release rates of theophylline from tablets prepared as described in Examples 1 and 2 is shown in FIG. 1. The dissolution rates were measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of aqueous buffer (pH 6.5).

Example 3 (Comparative)

Anhydrous theophylline (40 gm) was wet granulated with hydroxyethylcellulose (2.5 gm; Natrosol 250HX, Trade Mark) and the granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen. The granules were then dried in a FBD at 60° C.

To the warmed theophylline containing granules was added a molten mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 (5.0 gm) and, cetostearyl alcohol (4.0 gm). This mixture was allowed to air cool and then passed through a 16 mesh screen.

Talc (1.0 gm) and magnesium stearate (1.0 gm) were then mixed with the granules. The granules were compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Theophylline anhydrous                                                                           400                                                          Hydroxyethylcellulose                                                                            25                                                           PEG 6000          50                                                           Cetostearyl alcohol                                                                              40                                                           Talc              10                                                           Magnesium stearate                                                                               10                                                           ______________________________________                                    

Example 4

The procedure of Example 3 was followed except that polydextrose replaced the hydroxyethylcellulose. This gave 100 tablets, each containing

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Theophylline anhydrous                                                                           400                                                          Polydextrose      25                                                           PEG 6000          50                                                           Cetostearyl alcohol                                                                              40                                                           Talc              10                                                           Magnesium stearate                                                                               10                                                           ______________________________________                                    

A comparison of the release rates of theophylline from tablets prepared as described in Examples 3 and 4 is shown in FIG. 2. The dissolution rates were measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of aqueous buffer (pH 6.5).

Example 5 (Comparative)

Pyridoxine hydrochloride (10 gm) and hydrogenated castor oil (1.5 gm) were granulated with hydroxyethylcellulose (2.0 gm, Natrosol 250HX) and the granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen and dried in a FBD at 60° C.

To the pyridoxine HCl containing granules, molten cetostearyl alcohol (3.5 gm) was added. This mixture was allowed to air cool and then passed through a 16 mesh screen.

Talc (0.3 gm) and magnesium stearate (0.1 gm) were mixed with the granules. This mixture was compressed to give 100 tablets each containing.

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Pyridoxine HCl    100                                                          Hydroxyethylcellulose                                                                            20                                                           Hydrogenated castor oil                                                                          15                                                           Cetostearyl alcohol                                                                              35                                                           Talc               3                                                           Magnesium stearate                                                                                1                                                           ______________________________________                                    

Example 6

The procedure of Example 5 was followed except that polydextrose replaced the hydroxyethylcellulose. This gave 100 tablets each containing.

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Pyridoxine HCl    100                                                          Polydextrose      20                                                           Hydrogenated castor oil                                                                          15                                                           Cetostearyl alcohol                                                                              35                                                           Talc               3                                                           Magnesium stearate                                                                                1                                                           ______________________________________                                    

A comparison of the release rates of pyridoxine HCl from tablets prepared as described in Examples 5 and 6 is shown in FIG. 3. The dissolution rates were measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of aqueous buffer (pH 6.5).

Example 7 (Comparative)

Metoclopramide HCl (3 gm) was wet granulated with anhydrous lactose (17 gm) and hydroxyethylcellulose (2 gm; Natrosol 250HX) and the granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen. The granules were then dried in an FBD at 60° C.

To the warmed metoclopramide containing granules was added molten cetostearyl alcohol (7 gm). The mixture was allowed to air cool and then passed through a 16 mesh screen.

Talc (0.6 gm) and magnesium stearate (0.4 gm) were mixed with the granules. The granules were then compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Metoclopramide HCl                                                                               30                                                           Anhydrous lactose 170                                                          Hydroxyethylcellulose                                                                            20                                                           Cetostearyl alcohol                                                                              70                                                           Talc               6                                                           Magnesium stearate                                                                                4                                                           ______________________________________                                    

Example 8

Anhydrous lactose (17 gm) and polydextrose (2 gm) were dry mixed. Molten cetostearyl alcohol (7 gm) was added to the dry mixed powders. The mixture was allowed to cool and passed through a 16 mesh screen.

Metoclopramide HCl (3 gm), talc (6 gm) and magnesium stearate (4 gm) were then mixed with the polydextrose/wax granules and then compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Metoclopramide HCl                                                                               30                                                           Anhydrous lactose 170                                                          Polydextrose      20                                                           Cetostearyl alcohol                                                                              70                                                           Talc               6                                                           Magnesium stearate                                                                                4                                                           ______________________________________                                    

A comparison of the release rates of metoclopramide HCl from tablets prepared as described in Examples 7 and 8 is shown in FIG. 4. The dissolution rates were measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of aqueous buffer (pH 6.5).

Example 9

Anhydrous theophylline (40 gm) was wet granulated with polydextrose (21.8 gm) and the granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen. The granules were dried in a FBD at 60° C.

To the warmed theophylline containing granules was added a molten mixture of polyethylene glycol 6000 (2.9 gm), polyethylene glycol 1000 (1.45 gm) and cetostearyl alcohol (2.9 gm). This mixture was allowed to air cool and then passed through a 16 mesh screen.

Talc (1.0 gm) and magnesium stearate (0.45 gm) were then mixed with the granules. The granules were compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/Tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Theophylline anhydrous                                                                           400                                                          Polydextrose      218                                                          PEG 6000          29                                                           PEG 1000          14.5                                                         Cetostearyl alcohol                                                                              29                                                           Talc              10                                                           Magnesium stearate                                                                               4.5                                                          ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolution rate of these tablets were measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of aqueous buffer (pH 6.5). Results are shown in Table 1.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         In vitro Dissolution of Theophylline Tablets                                   Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                          2            21.7                                                              4            33.7                                                              6            42.3                                                              8            49.0                                                             10            54.3                                                             12            58.3                                                             14            62.0                                                             16            65.0                                                             18            67.8                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 10

Naproxen (50 gm), dicalcium phosphate (16.4 gm), lactose (2.5 gm), polydextrose (2.0 gm) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (2.0 gm) were wet granulated and the granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen. The granules were then dried in a FBD at 50° C. Talc (1.35 gm) and magnesium stearate (0.75 gm) were then added and mixed with the granules. The granules were then compressed to give 100 tablets each containing

    ______________________________________                                                            mg/tablet                                                   ______________________________________                                         Naproxen             500                                                       Dicalcium phosphate, anhydrous                                                                      164                                                       Lactose monohydrate  25                                                        Polydextrose         20                                                        Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose                                                                        20                                                        Talc                 13.5                                                      Magnesium stearate   7.5                                                       ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolution rate of these tablets was measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of aqueous buffer (pH 7.2). Results are shown in Table 2.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Naproxen Tablets                                       Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                         1             22.3                                                             2             49.9                                                             3             74.4                                                             4             91.1                                                             5             95.9                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 11

Naproxen (50 gm), lactose (11.25 gm), polydextrose (0.75 gm) and povidone (2.0 gm) were wet granulated and the granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen. The granules were dried in a FBD at 60° C. Talc (1.2 gm) and magnesium stearate (0.6 gm) were mixed with the granules. The granules were compressed to give 100 tablet cores each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Naproxen          500                                                          Lactose monohydrate                                                                              112.5                                                        Polydextrose      7.5                                                          Povidone          20                                                           Talc              12                                                           Magnesium stearate                                                                               6                                                            ______________________________________                                    

The tablet cores were then coated with a aqueous formulation (100 ml) containing polyvinylacetate phthalate (15 gm) and 0.88 ammonia solution (0.18 ml) until the cores were coated with about 20 mg (dry weight) of coat.

The in-vitro dissolution rate of these tablets was measured by placing the tablets in 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours and thereafter continuing the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of aqueous buffer pH 7.2. Results are shown in Table 3.

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Naproxen Tablets                                       Time (Hours)                                                                             Medium          % (by wt) Released                                   ______________________________________                                         1         0.1 N Hydrochloric Acid                                                                        0                                                    2         0.1 N Hydrochloric Acid                                                                        0                                                    3         pH 7.2 buffer   12.5                                                 4         pH 7.2 buffer   28.3                                                 5         pH 7.2 buffer   43.4                                                 6         pH 7.2 buffer   60.3                                                 7         pH 7.2 buffer   71.9                                                 8         pH 7.2 buffer   78.6                                                 10        pH 7.2 buffer   85.3                                                 12        pH 7.2 buffer   88.1                                                 14        pH 7.2 buffer   92.1                                                 ______________________________________                                    

Example 12

Polydextrose (28 gm) was mixed with a mixture of molten cetostearyl alcohol (6 gm) and polyethylene glycol 4000 (6 gm). The granules were allowed to cool and sieved through a 20 mesh screen.

Theophylline (40 gm) was granulated with a solution of povidone (1.2 gm) in water. The granules were sieved through a 12 mesh screen and dried in a fluid bed drier. The granules were then sieved through a 20 mesh screen.

The theophylline granules and the polydextrose/wax granules were dry mixed with purified talc (0.6 gm). Prior to compression, magnesium stearate (0.6 gm) and purified talc (0.6 gm) were mixed with the granules. This mixture was then compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                          mg/Tablet                                                     ______________________________________                                         Theophylline       400                                                         Povidone           12                                                          Polydextrose       280                                                         Cetostearyl Alcohol                                                                               60                                                          Polyethylene Glycol 4000                                                                          60                                                          Purified Talc      12                                                          Magnesium Stearate  6                                                          ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolution rate of these tablets was measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of aqueous buffer (pH 6.5). Results are shown in TABLE 4.

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Theophylline Tablets                                   Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                         1             10.3                                                             2             15.3                                                             4             22.8                                                             8             33.9                                                             12            42.3                                                             16            48.4                                                             24            61.4                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 13

The procedure of Example 12 was followed except that the amounts used were chosen such that each tablet contained,

    ______________________________________                                                          mg/tablet                                                     ______________________________________                                         Theophylline       400                                                         Povidone           12                                                          Polydextrose       140                                                         Cetostearyl Alcohol                                                                               30                                                          Polyethylene Glycol 4000                                                                          30                                                          Purified Talc      9                                                           Magnesium Stearate 4.5                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolution rate of these tablets was measured as described in Example 12. Results are given in TABLE 5.

                  TABLE 5                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Theophylline Tablets                                   Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                         1             10.9                                                             2             16.4                                                             4             24.5                                                             8             35.6                                                             12            45.5                                                             16            54.5                                                             24            72.2                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 14

The procedure of Example 12 was followed except that the amounts used were chosen such that each tablet contained,

    ______________________________________                                                          mg/Tablet                                                     ______________________________________                                         Theophylline       400                                                         Povidone           12                                                          Polydextrose       93.3                                                        Cetostearyl Alcohol                                                                               20                                                          Polyethylene Glycol 4000                                                                          20                                                          Purified Talc      8                                                           Magnesium Stearate 4                                                           ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolutin rate of these tablets was measured as described in Example 12. Results are given in TABLE 6.

                  TABLE 6                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Theophylline Tablets                                   Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                         1             12.4                                                             2             19.2                                                             4             29.5                                                             8             44.8                                                             12            56.5                                                             16            68.6                                                             24            91.9                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 15

The procedure of Example 12 was followed except that the amounts used were chosen such that each tablet contained,

    ______________________________________                                                          mg/Tablet                                                     ______________________________________                                         Theophylline       400                                                         Povidone           12                                                          Polydextrose       70                                                          Cetostearyl Alcohol                                                                               15                                                          Polyethylene Glycol 4000                                                                          15                                                          Purified Talc      7.8                                                         Magnesium Stearate 3.7                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolution rate of these tablets was measured as described in Example 12. Results are given in TABLE 7.

                  TABLE 7                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Theophylline Tablets                                   Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                         1             12.7                                                             2             19.6                                                             4             30.9                                                             8             48.6                                                             12            66.5                                                             16            80.8                                                             24            94.5                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 16

Theophylline (40 gm) and polydextrose (21.8 gm) were mixed and granulated with water. The granules were dried in a fluid bed drier. The dried granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen. The dried granules were mixed with a molten (70° C.) mixture of PEG 6000 (2.9 gm) and octyl alcohol (2.9 gm). The "waxed" granules were then cooled, before blending with talc (1.0 gm) and magnesium stearate (0.4 gm). Compression of the granules gave 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                          mg/Tablet                                                     ______________________________________                                         Theophylline       400                                                         Polydextrose       218                                                         Polyethylene Glycol 6000                                                                          29                                                          Octyl Alcohol      29                                                          Purified Talc      10                                                          Magnesium Stearate  4                                                          ______________________________________                                    

Examples 17-22

The procedure of Example 16 was followed except that the octyl alcohol was replaced by, respectively, decyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and cetostearyl alcohol.

Example 23

Polydextrose (12.6 gm) was mixed with molten cetostearyl alcohol (5.4 gm). The granules were allowed to cool and sieved through a 20 mesh screen.

Metoclopramide HCl (3.0 gm) was dry mixed with the polydextrose/alcohol granules and purified talc (0.21 gm). Prior to compression, magnesium stearate (0.21 gm) and purified talc (0.21 gm) were mixed with the granules. This mixture was then compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/Tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Metoclopramide HCl                                                                               30                                                           Polydextrose      126                                                          Cetostearyl Alcohol                                                                              54                                                           Purified Talc     4.2                                                          Magnesium Stearate                                                                               2.1                                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 24

The procedure of Example 23 was followed except that the amounts used were chosen such that each tablet contained,

    ______________________________________                                                         mg/Tablet                                                      ______________________________________                                         Metoclopramide HCl                                                                               30                                                           Polydextrose      210                                                          Cetostearyl Alcohol                                                                              90                                                           Purified Talc     6.6                                                          Magnesium Stearate                                                                               3.3                                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 25

The procedure of Example 23 was followed except that the amounts used were chosen such that each tablet contained,

    ______________________________________                                                        mg/Tablet                                                       ______________________________________                                         Metoclopramide HCl                                                                              30                                                            Polydextrose     420                                                           Cetostearyl Alcohol                                                                             180                                                           Purified Talc    12.6                                                          Magnesium Stearate                                                                              6.3                                                           ______________________________________                                    

Example 26

Salbutamol sulphate (0.964 gm), equivalent to 0.8 gm base salbutamol was wet granulated with anhydrous lactose (20.8 gm), polydextrose (1.25 gm) and povidone (0.3 gm) and the granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen. The granules were then dried in a FBD at 60° C.

To the warmed salbutamol containing granules was added molten cetostearyl alcohol (5.5 gm). The mixture was allowed to air cool and then passed through a 16 mesh screen.

Talc (0.8 gm) and magnesium stearate (0.4 gm) were mixed with the granules. The granules were then compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                        mg/Tablet                                                       ______________________________________                                         Salbutamol Sulphate                                                                             9.64                                                          Lactose, anhydrous                                                                              208                                                           Polydextrose     12.5                                                          Povidone (K30)   3                                                             Cetostearyl Alcohol                                                                             55                                                            Talc             8                                                             Magnesium Stearate                                                                              4                                                             ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolution rate of these tablets was measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of aqueous buffer (pH 6.5). Results are given in TABLE 8.

                  TABLE 8                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Salbutamol Tablets                                     Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                         1             49.5                                                             2             62.4                                                             3             73.2                                                             4             79.1                                                             5             85.5                                                             6             91.0                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 27

The procedure of Example 26 was followed except that the amounts used were chosen such that each tablet contained,

    ______________________________________                                                        mg/Tablet                                                       ______________________________________                                         Salbutamol Sulphate                                                                             9.64                                                          Lactose, anhydrous                                                                              190.36                                                        Polydextrose     30                                                            Povidone (K30)   3                                                             Cetostearyl Alcohol                                                                             55                                                            Talc             8                                                             Magnesium Stearate                                                                              4                                                             ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolution rate of the tablets was measured as described in Example 26. Results are given in TABLE 9.

                  TABLE 9                                                          ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Salbutamol Tablets                                     Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                         1             43.8                                                             2             61.1                                                             3             71.4                                                             4             77.9                                                             5             80.9                                                             6             82.3                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 28

The procedure of Example 26 was followed except that the amounts used were chosen such that each tablet contained,

    ______________________________________                                                        mg/Tablet                                                       ______________________________________                                         Salbutamol Sulphate                                                                             9.64                                                          Lactose, anhydrous                                                                              160.36                                                        Polydextrose     60                                                            Povidone         3                                                             Cetostearyl Alcohol                                                                             55                                                            Talc             8                                                             Magnesium Stearate                                                                              4                                                             ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolution rate of these tablets was measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of aqueous buffer (pH 6.5). Results are given in TABLE 10.

                  TABLE 10                                                         ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Salbutamol Tablets                                     Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                         1             41.0                                                             2             57.8                                                             3             68.0                                                             4             74.6                                                             5             81.0                                                             6             83.1                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 29

Quinidine polygalacturonate (41.25 gm), lactose (4.5 gm), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (1.25 gm) and polydextrose (4.5 gm) were granulated with water. The granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen and dried in a fluid bed drier. The granules were mixed with molten cetostearyl alcohol (9.0 gm) and allowed to cool. The granules were sieved through a 16 mesh screen and blended with purified talc (1.0 gm). The granules were compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                            mg/Tablet                                                   ______________________________________                                         Quinidine Polygalacturonate                                                                         412.5                                                     Lactose              45                                                        Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose                                                                       12.5                                                      Polydextrose         45                                                        Cetostearyl Alcohol  90                                                        Purified Talc        10                                                        ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolution rate of these tablets was measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml of buffer (pH 6.5). Results are given in TABLE 11.

                  TABLE 11                                                         ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Quinidine Tablets                                      Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                         1             15.2                                                             2             26.0                                                             4             41.5                                                             8             60.1                                                             12            72.5                                                             16            79.9                                                             20            89.9                                                             ______________________________________                                    

Example 30

Nifedipine (2.0 gm), lactose (8.0 gm) and polydextrose (2.0 gm) were mixed and granulated with aqueous povidone solution (0.7 gm Povidone K30). The granules were dried in a fluid bed drier. The dried granules were sieved through a 20 mesh screen before blending with purified talc (0.4 gm) and magnesium stearate (0.2 gm). The granules were compressed to give 100 tablets each containing,

    ______________________________________                                                        mg/Tablet                                                       ______________________________________                                         Nifedipine       20                                                            Lactose, anhydrous                                                                              80                                                            Polydextrose     20                                                            Povidone K30      7                                                            Purified Talc     4                                                            Magnesium Stearate                                                                               2                                                            ______________________________________                                    

The in-vitro dissolution rate of these tablets was measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml aqueous isopropyl alcohol (4:1 (v/v), water: i-PrOH). Results are given in TABLE 12.

                  TABLE 12                                                         ______________________________________                                         In Vitro Dissolution of Nifedipine Tablets                                     Time (Hours)  % (by wt) Released                                               ______________________________________                                         1             8.9                                                              2             18.9                                                             3             54.0                                                             4             87.7                                                             5             96.1                                                             6             99.2                                                             ______________________________________                                    

CLINICAL STUDIES

A pharmacokinetic study in 3 healthy volunteers was performed on tablets prepared as described in Example 9. Samples were analysed by enzyme immunoassay. Mean plasma theophylline concentrations are given in TABLE 13.

                  TABLE 13                                                         ______________________________________                                                     Mean Plasma Theophylline                                           Time (Hours)                                                                               Concentration (ug/ml)                                              ______________________________________                                         0           0.0                                                                1           0.7                                                                2           1.6                                                                3           2.1                                                                4           2.7                                                                5           3.3                                                                6           3.3                                                                7           3.0                                                                8           3.0                                                                10          2.5                                                                12          2.1                                                                24          1.4                                                                ______________________________________                                    

It can therefore be seen that the composition of Example 9 exhibits excellent control over the release of theophylline in vivo. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A solid, oral, controlled release pharmaceutical composition, comprising a solid active ingredient incorporated in a controlled release matrix comprising a water soluble polydextrose, said composition containing between about 48% and 90% by weight of the active ingredient.
 2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the active ingredient is selected from theophylline, metocloclopramide and naproxen.
 3. A solid, oral, controlled release pharmaceutical composition, comprising a solid active ingredient selected from theophylline and naproxen incorporated in a controlled release matrix comprising a water soluble polydextrose, said composition containing between about 48% and 90% by weight of the active ingredient.
 4. A solid, oral, controlled release pharmaceutical composition, comprising a solid active ingredient incorporated in a controlled release matrix which comprises a water soluble polydextrose and at least one of a digestable C₈ -C₅₀ substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon and a polyalkylene glycol.
 5. A composition according to claim 4 wherein the hydrocarbon comprises a C₁₂ -C₃₆ fatty alcohol.
 6. A composition according to claim 5 wherein the hydrocarbon comprises a C₁₄ -C₂₂ fatty alcohol.
 7. A composition according to claim 6 wherein the hydrocarbon comprises a fatty alcohol selected from cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol and myristyl alcohol.
 8. A composition according to claim 4 wherein the polyalkylene glycol comprises polyethylene glycol.
 9. A composition according to claim 4 wherein the matrix further comprises a cellulose ether.
 10. A composition according to claim 9 wherein the cellulose ether comprises at least one of a hydroxyalkylcellulose and a carboxyalkylcellulose.
 11. A composition according to claim 4 wherein the ratio of polydextrose/cellulose ether to hydrocarbon/polyalkylene glycol in the composition is between 6 to 1 and 1 to
 6. 12. A composition according to claim 11 wherein the ratio is between 4 to 1 and 1 to
 4. 13. A composition according to claim 4 wherein the composition contains between 1% and 80% (w/w) of polydextrose.
 14. A composition according to claim 13 wherein the composition contains between 1% and 50% (w/w) of polydextrose.
 15. A composition according to claim 14 wherein the composition contains between 2% and 40% (w/w) of polydextrose.
 16. A preparation for use in the production of a solid, oral controlled release, pharmaceutical composition comprising a matrix of a water soluble polydextrose and at least one of a digestible C₈ -C₅₀ substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon and a polyalkylene glycol.
 17. A preparation according to claim 16 wherein the hydrocarbon comprises a C₁₂ -C₃₆ fatty alcohol.
 18. A preparation according to claim 17 wherein the hydrocarbon comprises a C₁₄ -C₂₂ fatty alcohol.
 19. A preparation according to claim 18 wherein the hydrocarbon comprises a fatty alcohol selected from cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol and myristyl alcohol.
 20. A preparation according to claim 16 wherein the polyalkylene glycol comprises polyethylene glycol. 